Lead Roof Construction Details

Lead covered roofs typical of many churches and cathedrals.

Lead roof construction details.

Applications of lead sheet in building. Thicker lead is used on longer bays joints along the length should be stepped to prevent rain seeping up through capillary action. Lead sheet one of the oldest and most durable roofing materials has been known to last for over 200 years. Note no nails in the edge.

Lead sheet is a proven long life building material. One particular problem which has been the subject of increasing concern speculation and debate is the tendency for condensation on the underside of metal roofs to cause corrosion. A new lead bay fitted in a simple one piece bay like this one the lead is nailed into the upstand underneath the guttering the drip is then beaten nice and tight over the edge of the roof and trimmed to about 50mm. Individual pieces of lead sheet.

However even with the best of materials poor design often leads to failure. It is extremely malleable and can be readily dressed to fit the multi curved contours of many modern building materials particularly roofing tiles. Flat lead roofs should be laid with a slight fall. Lead should be laid in bays sections with joints between the bays formed over a wooden roll.